This information was correct at the time of publication. Policy and guidance can change, so please check our latest news for the current position. For anything else, please contact enquiries@cps.scot
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2026 takes place from 18 to 24 November, and community pharmacy teams across Scotland are being encouraged to get involved.
The Scottish Government’s AMR campaign has “One Health, One Action: Prevent AMR Now” as its theme this year, with a focus on safe and sustainable antibiotic use. Pharmacy has a direct part to play: the public is being asked to hand unused medicines back to their pharmacy, since putting them in the bin, sink or toilet harms the environment.
Other campaign messages include never sharing antibiotics, remembering that viruses such as colds and flu are not treated by them, and washing hands regularly.
Teams can support the week by displaying the campaign poster, sharing the social media assets and trying the AMR quiz with colleagues. All resources are free to download from the
If your pharmacy is taking part, tag CPS on social media so we can help spread the word.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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This year’s awareness week falls on 18 to 24 November 2026. In Scotland it is supported by the Scottish Government’s AMR campaign, themed “One Health, One Action: Prevent AMR Now”, which encourages safe and sustainable use of antibiotics. sgmarketing-newsroom.prgloo.comsgmarketing-newsroom.prgloo.com
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Simple ways to take part include putting up the campaign poster, posting the ready-made social media content on your channels and running the AMR quiz with colleagues. Everything is free to download from the Scottish Government AMR resource hub.
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The key points for patients are:
Antibiotics are not for sharing, and using up leftover courses is risky and adds to resistance. sgmarketing-newsroom.prgloo.com
Colds, flu and other viruses are not treated by antibiotics. sgmarketing-newsroom.prgloo.com
Unused medicines belong back at the pharmacy, not in the bin, sink or toilet, where they harm the environment. sgmarketing-newsroom.prgloo.com
